for Violin | by Thomastik-Infeld

1

dominantpro.com | thomastik-infeld.com

for Violin | by Thomastik-Infeld

2

DOMINANT PRO

Features overview .................................................................................................3

The set DP100 + technical details ........................................................................3

Sound development ..............................................................................................3

Available E-Strings: all details ................................................................................5

Available A-Strings: all details ................................................................................7

Available D-Strings: all details................................................................................8

Available G-Strings: all details................................................................................9

Advantages of DOMINANT PRO and DOMINANT ...............................................10

String Comparison: all E-Strings ..........................................................................11

String Comparison: all A-Strings ..........................................................................16

String Comparison: all D-Strings ..........................................................................20

String Comparison: all G-Strings ..........................................................................24

DOMINANT

History of development .......................................................................................28

The set 135 + technical details ...........................................................................28

Features overview ...............................................................................................28

The full DOMINANT line .....................................................................................29

Available E-Strings: all details ..............................................................................31

Available A-Strings: all details ..............................................................................32

Available D-Strings: all details..............................................................................33

Available G-Strings: all details..............................................................................34

Combine DOMINANT PRO and DOMINANT.......................................................35

Tired of reading? Watch this instead! ...................................................................36

3

+ exceptionally powerful

+ good balance of brilliance and warmth

+ broad range of sound colors

+ supports the radiance of the instrument

in the long term

+ reacts immediately with a focused sound core

+ a sound that fills the room

+ bell-like tonal character

+ high resistance to bow pressure

+ suitable for soloists

+ very high level of dynamics – can be played

very quietly and very loudly

DOMINANT PRO SET DP100

TECHNICAL DETAILS

DP01 e2 mi2 I Carbon steel Tin plated

NO.DP01 e2 mi2 I Carbon steel Tin plated

DP02 a1 la1 II Synthetic core Aluminum wound

NO.DP02 a1 la1 II Synthetic core Aluminum wound

DP03A d1 re1 III Synthetic core Silver wound

NO.DP03A d1 re1 III Synthetic core Silver wound

DP04 g sol IV Synthetic core Silver wound

DP100

NO.DP04 g sol IV Synthetic core Silver wound

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Carbon steel

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Multialloy wound

Tungsten/Chrome wound


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THE SOUND DEVELOPMENT OF DOMINANT PRO

Immediately after stringing, the DOMINANT PRO set DP100 sounds bell-like and fills the room. In the first two to three hours

of playing, the strings feel a touch softer and sound a little warmer than they do for the rest of their lifespan. Then the strings

open up, sound more brilliant and open, and feel a little tighter beneath the fingers. The bell-like sound that fills the room

decreases slightly in the last third of the strings’ life and they sound more direct – from this point on, the tonal character of

the strings barely changes.

A NEW GENERATION OF STRINGS

At Thomastik-Infeld, we collaborate daily with top-class, international musicians who have often requested that we develop

an additional set similar but expanding upon the possibilities of the existing DOMINANT strings.

VIOLIN 4/4 vibrating string length 32,5cm | 12,8“

MEET THE INDIVIDUAL STRINGS

5

Emanufacturers often set store by a high string tension, among

other things. As a general rule: the greater the diameter of

a plain, unwound steel string, the higher the string tension.

However, from a diameter of 0.273 mm onward, the string

tension is usually so high that the strings can put excessive

strain on the instrument, resulting in a loss of sound color.

Thanks to a specially developed wire treatment, we have

succeeded in creating E-strings like the DOMINANT PRO NO.DP01, which offers a high level of resistance to bow pres-

sure already at 0.265 mm with no loss of color or strain on

the instrument.

This wire treatment makes the sound soft enough that it does

not have a screeching effect, and brilliant enough that it offers

sufficient radiance, projection and resistance to bow pres-

sure. As a result, the string sounds broad and brilliant even

without applying much pressure.

NO. DP01AU GOLD

NO.DP01AU [diameter 0.265 mm, 8.0 kg, removable ball end]

generates a very warm, clear sound that simultaneously con-

veys brilliance. In addition, the string is extremely corrosion-

resistant. In contrast to NO.DP01, the sound is as clear as

a bell and the individual sound colors can be clearly and

individually distinguished: green and blue remain green and

blue without morphing into a tonal turquoise; yellow and red

do not merge to become orange. Combined with its great

capacity for projection, this allows it to assert itself very well in

orchestras or in chamber music as required.

If the system as a whole – instrument, rosin, bow hair and

bowing – has a tendency to whistle, NO.DP01AU may not

be the ideal choice. In this case we recommend NO.DP01.

Important: the assumption that individual bowing alone

leads to whistling is incorrect.

As always, when using a fine tuner hook, it is crucial

to make sure that it is always “deburred” (the sharp edges

are filed down), otherwise the string can break more easily at

the fine tuner end than normal tin-plated strings.

NO. DP01 TIN

The DOMINANT PRO E-string NO.DP01 [diameter 0.265 mm,

8.0 kg, removable ball end] with a core of carbon steel is

tin-plated. A protective layer of nickel is placed between

the outer coating of tin and the steel core in order to

increase the corrosion resistance compared with conventio-

nal tin-plated strings. However, the corrosion resistance is

lower than that of plain stainless steel strings, e.g. NO.129,

as well as the stainless steel strings with gold and platinum

plating, e.g.: NO.DP01AU, NO.DP01PT.

The string has a very good response, barely whistles, and is

well-balanced in its brilliance and warmth. It supports the

equilibrium with the A-string and promotes its capacity to

carry sound.

For musicians who prefer a high resistance to bow pres-

sure, strings have to be extremely resilient. To ensure this,

4/4 TECHNICAL DETAILS

Carbon steel Tin plated

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Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



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RO42

RO43

RO44

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Multialloy wound



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Stainless steel Gold plated


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DOMINANT PRO

*coming July 2021

DP100

6

NO. DP01PT PLATINUM

Of all the E-strings described, NO.DP01PT [diameter 0.268

mm, 8.2 kg, removable ball end] has the greatest projec-

tion capacity. It combines the clarity of the gold-plated NO.DP01AU with the response of the tin-plated NO.DP01.

Like NO.DP01AU, NO.DP01PT is also extremely corrosion-

resistant, but has less of a tendency to whistle and of-

fers more brilliance in comparison. Due to its outstanding

projection capability and clarity, it can be unsuitable for

sensitive ears.

NO. DP01SN TIN

In comparison to the other E-strings, NO.DP01SN [diameter

0.262 mm, 7.9 kg, removable ball end] has a smaller dia-

meter and is therefore ideally suited to instruments with

a normal or high string position – high bridge or lowered

fingerboard.

In comparison to the standard NO.DP01, NO.DP01SN is not

underlaid with nickel and is therefore somewhat more

susceptible to corrosion. Thanks to a thicker layer of tin,

however, it sounds warmer than NO.DP01 and much warmer

than NO.DP01AU and NO.DP01PT.

NO.DP01SN also has the lowest string tension of all

DOMINANT PRO E-strings, which means that almost

no strain is exerted on the instruments and they can be

greatly opened in terms of sound. This leads to a good bow

response and also promotes the instruments‘ radiance. Its

low string tension means that it has the lowest resistance to

bow pressure of all the DOMINANT PRO E-strings.

As a result of its larger diameter [0.268 mm as opposed to NO.DP01 and NO.DP01AU with 0.265 mm], it offers more

resistance to bow pressure and is also better suited to a very

low string position.

Tip: players must also be careful when using a fine tuner

hook with NO.DP01PT, and always ensure that the sharp

edges are rounded down.


Stainless steel Platinum plated


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Multialloy wound



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RO43

RO44

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Multialloy wound



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Carbon steel Tin plated


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Multialloy wound



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*coming July 2021

*coming July 2021

7

NO. DP02 ALUMINUM

The DOMINANT PRO A-string NO.DP02 [5.5 kg] with alu-

minum winding was designed to have more tonal core and

energy in the keynote. Its metallic component is slightly lower,

but it still projects sound beautifully and also responds very

well in pianopianissimo ppp with a consistently high capacity

for modulation.

The string is very colorful, possesses a good balance be-

tween brilliance and warmth, an excellent response as well

as good resistance to bow pressure. When combined with

the E-string NO.DP01, it sounds even broader and more richly

colored.

NO. DP02B STEEL CORE | CHROME

In comparison to NO.DP02 [5.5 kg], the NO.DP02B [6.1 kg,

removable ball end] has a considerably smaller diameter.

This means that NO.DP02B responds much faster than NO.DP02. Due to the steel core, the string achieves pitch sta-

bility immediately after being strung and offers a very high

level of resistance to bow pressure. In addition, the chrome

winding makes it extremely corrosion-resistant and bestows

the string with a particularly long lifespan. Should a play-

er have problems with the lifespan of synthetic A-strings in

general due to aggressive sweating, NO.DP02B is the ideal

solution. It also reduces buzz tones.*

It has a higher dynamic range** than NO.DP02, however, it

also features a decreased tonal modulation capacity, which

is a typical characteristic of a steel string. Both strings have

a very good brilliance to warmth ratio.

After a break-in period of around five hours, NO.DP02B

becomes a touch more brilliant and open. This supports the

brilliance of the E-string, but can also induce whistling in sen-

sitive E-strings such as NO.DP01AU or NO.DP01PT. However, NO.DP01 is not influenced by this.

In general, steel core strings have a higher string tension;

this must also be taken into consideration with NO.DP02B so

as to avoid potentially overburdening the instrument. When

deciding on the NO.DP02B, we recommend using a fine

tuner, since even the smallest of changes when winding

up a string can result in extreme changes in the frequency,

similarly to a steel E-string.

A4/4 TECHNICAL DETAILS

Synthetic core Aluminum wound


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Multialloy wound



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RO44

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Multialloy wound



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Carbon steel Chrome wound


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DOMINANT PRO

*coming July 2021

DP100

*small wolf tone**can be played very quietly and very loudly

8

NO. DP03A SILVER

As already mentioned, the D-string is the violin’s leading

string. Accordingly, it has a very strong influence on the

remaining strings in all aspects of play. The tonal lifespan

of the entire violin string set is chiefly dependent upon this

string.

With the help of a novel silver alloy, we were able to com-

bine the advantages of a silver string with those of an

aluminum string in the DOMINANT PRO NO.DP03A [4.5 kg],

while also eliminating their drawbacks. What this means is

that the DOMINANT PRO D-string offers a very refined bow

noise, brilliance and pronounced sound color with a good

deal of modulation capacity. This combination guarantees

an ideal ability to sustain sound and projection in halls.

Unlike conventional silver D-strings, it has a more direct bow

response and does a better job of suppressing wolf tones in

combination with the new G-string. The diameter is some-

what smaller than that of a synthetic A-string. This makes

the string pleasant to play and means that it feels at once

both supple and resilient beneath the left and right hand.

NO. DP03 ALUMINUM

For musicians who prefer a larger D-string diameter, the

aluminum-wound NO.DP03 [4.6 kg] offers an alternative to

the thinner NO.DP03A. The diameter lies between that of the

DOMINANT PRO A- and G-string. The sound characteristics

are similar to the silver-wound NO.DP03A; however, the bow

noise is coarser, the response more direct, and brilliance

and projection capacity are increased. The decision swings

somewhat more in favor of NO.DP03 if the feel of a thicker

string is preferred.

D


Synthetic core Silver wound


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DOMINANT PRO

*coming July 2021

DP100

9

NO. DP04 SILVER

The DOMINANT PRO G-string NO.DP04 [4.6 kg] has a very

low metallic component, less bow noise, and a more direct

response. It is a good fit for the majority of new and old inst-

ruments and is ideally suited for soloists, chamber musicians,

and use in orchestras. Due to the slightly increased string

tension – compare this with DOMINANT NO.133 at 4.5 kg –

it also offers increased resistance to bow pressure without

putting too much strain on the instrument. The new string

feels soft beneath the fingers, but stands out with its high re-

sistance to bow pressure with an extreme capacity to sustain

sound and outstanding radiance.

G4/4 TECHNICAL DETAILS



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Multialloy wound



RO41

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RO43

RO44

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DOMINANT PRO

DP100

10

Modulation capacity

Lots of sound color

Tuning stability

Low string tension

Very good bow response

Even longer tonal lifespan

Also reduces wolf tones

Very balanced between the individual strings

More focused than DOMINANT

Darker than DOMINANT

Greater resistance to bow pressure than DOMINANT

Larger dynamic range than DOMINANT

Bell-like sound that fills the room directly

after stringing

Has a powerful, clear, and loud voice with

a high ability to sustain sound

Modulation capacity

Lots of sound color

Tuning stability

Low string tension

Very good bow response

Long tonal lifespan

The golden mean: a tonal equilibrium

between a direct and broad

and a brilliant and warm sound

Perfectly suited reference set for assessing

and adjusting an instrument

Since 1970 the playing styles and ideas

surrounding sound have been expan-

ded. With DOMINANT PRO, we are not

aiming to change the basic character

of DOMINANT, but rather to offer an

additional, contemporary repertoire of

THE BIGGEST ADVANTAGES OF DOMINANT PRO AND DOMINANT

strings. What do DOMINANT PRO

and DOMINANT have in common?

Both have very low string tensions

and are therefore suitable for the

majority of new and old instruments

without putting too much strain on

them. They have a similar capacity

for modulation, lots of sound color,

very good tuning stability, and a very

good bow response. And how do

DOMINANT PRO and DOMINANT

differ? See the full list below.

DOMINANT DOMINANT PRO

STRING COMPARISON

12

No.129 Plain 5

No.129SN TinNo.130/130MS Aluminum

6

7

DIAMETERleast

No.DP01 Tin 1

No.DP01AU Gold 2

No.DP01PT Platinum 3

No.DP01SN Tin 4

most

least

No.DP01 TinNo.DP01AU Gold

No.DP01PT PlatinumNo.DP01SN Tin

most

CORROSION RESISTANCE

BRILLIANCE

least



No.129 Plain

No.129 PlainNo.129SN Tin

No.130/130MS Aluminum

most


1) 0.265 mm carbon steel – tin-plated with nickel undercoat

2) 0.265 mm stainless steel – gold-plated

3) 0.268 mm stainless steel – platinum-plated

4) 0.262 mm carbon steel – tin-plated without nickel undercoat

5) 0.260 mm stainless steel

6) 0.270 mm carbon steel – tin-plated with nickel undercoat

7) The diameter of wound strings says little about the string tension and is therefore not indicated

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

pw

plat

edw

ound

stee

l cor

e

13

No.129 Plain

No.129 Plain



FOCUSdirect



broad

RESISTANCE TO BOW PRESSUREleast



most



STRING TENSIONleast



most

WARMTHleast



most



p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

pw

plat

edw

ound

stee

l cor

e

14



TENDENCY TO WHISTLEleast



most



PURE SOUND COLORSleast



most



FINE TUNER HOOK SENSITIVITYleast


No.DP01PT Platinum

DP01SN Tin

most



RESPONSE*least



most

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

pw

plat

edw

ound

stee

l cor

e

*the response indicates how fast can you hear the tonal core, how quickly it appears

15

No.129 Plain

No.129 Plain

No.129 Plain

No.129 Plain





LEFT HAND FEELINGsoft



hard

PROJECTION CAPACITYleast



most

MODULATION CAPACITY least



most

BOW NOISEleast



most

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

p

p

p

p

p

w

pw

plat

edw

ound

stee

l cor

e

STRING COMPARISON

17

ACORROSION RESISTANCEleast

No.DP02 AluminumNo.DP02B Steel core | Chrome

No.131 Aluminum

most

BRILLIANCEleast


No.131 Aluminum

most

WARMTH

FOCUS

least

direct

No.DP02 Aluminum

No.DP02 Aluminum

No.DP02B Steel core | Chrome


No.131 Aluminum

No.131 Aluminum

most

broad

DIAMETERleast


No.131 Aluminum

most



No.131 Aluminum

most

pw

plat

edw

ound

synt

hetic

cor

e

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

18

STRING TENSIONleast


No.131 Aluminum

most

PURE SOUND COLORS

RESPONSE*

least

least

No.DP02 Aluminum

No.DP02 Aluminum



No.131 Aluminum

No.131 Aluminum

most

most



No.131 Aluminum

hard



No.131 Aluminum

most

MODULATION CAPACITYleast


No.131 Aluminum

most

pw

plat

edw

ound

synt

hetic

cor

e


w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

19

METALLIC COMPONENTleast


No.131 Aluminum

most

BOW NOISEleast


No.131 Aluminum

most

pw

plat

edw

ound

synt

hetic

cor

e

w

w

w

w

w

w

STRING COMPARISON

21

DCORROSION RESISTANCEleast

No.DP03A SilverNo.DP03 Aluminum

No.132 AluminumNo.132A Silver

most

BRILLIANCEleast


132 Aluminum

132A Silver

most

WARMTH

FOCUS

least

direct

No.DP03A Silver

No.DP03A Silver

No.DP03 Aluminum

No.DP03 Aluminum

132 Aluminum

132 Aluminum

132A Silver

132A Silver

most

broad

DIAMETERleast



most

pw

plat

edw

ound

synt

hetic

cor

e

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

22



132 Aluminum

132A Silver

most

STRING TENSION

PURE SOUND COLORS

RESPONSE*

least

least

least

No.DP03A Silver

No.DP03A Silver

No.DP03A Silver

No.DP03 Aluminum

No.DP03 Aluminum

No.DP03 Aluminum

132 Aluminum

132 Aluminum

132 Aluminum

132A Silver

132A Silver

132A Silver

most

most

most




hard

pw

plat

edw

ound

synt

hetic

cor

e


w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

23



132 Aluminum

132A Silver

most

MODULATION CAPACITY

METALLIC COMPONENT

BOW NOISE

least

least

least

No.DP03A Silver

No.DP03A Silver

No.DP03A Silver

No.DP03 Aluminum

No.DP03 Aluminum

No.DP03 Aluminum

132 Aluminum

132 Aluminum

132 Aluminum

132A Silver

132A Silver

132A Silver

most

most

most

pw

plat

edw

ound

synt

hetic

cor

e

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

STRING COMPARISON

25

GCORROSION RESISTANCEleast

No.DP04 SilverNo.133 Silver

most

BRILLIANCEleast


most

WARMTH

FOCUS

least

direct

No.DP04 Silver

No.DP04 Silver

No.133 Silver

No.133 Silver

most

broad

DIAMETERleast


most



most

STRING TENSIONleast


most

pw

plat

edw

ound

synt

hetic

cor

e

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

26

PURE SOUND COLORSleast


most

RESPONSE*

LEFT HAND FEELING

least

soft

No.DP04 Silver

No.DP04 Silver

No.133 Silver

No.133 Silver

most

hard



most

MODULATION CAPACITYleast


most

METALLIC COMPONENTleast


most

BOW NOISEleast


most


pw

plat

edw

ound

synt

hetic

cor

e

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

w

27

morethanalegend.com | dominantpro.com | thomastik-infeld.com

for Violin | by Thomastik-Infeld

28

The DOMINANT line stands for honesty, stability and consistency. With its introduction in 1970, Thomastik-Infeld was the

first string manufacturer in the world to successfully produce violin strings with a synthetic core of extremely fine nylon fibers.

* also available in light and heavy

1970

TECHNICAL DETAILS

130 e2 mi2 I Carbon steel Aluminum wound

131 a1 la1 II Synthetic core Aluminum wound

132 d1 re1 III Synthetic core Aluminum wound

133 g sol IV Synthetic core Silver wound

135


PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

15,9

12,1

9,0

9,7

48,0

7,2

5,5

4,1

4,4

21,8

PEG END

MEDIUM*

DOMINANT SETVIOLIN 4/4 vibrating string length 32,5cm | 12,8“

MORE THAN A LEGEND.

Thomastik-Infeld had

the goal of combi-

ning the qualities of outstanding steel

strings (first-rate tuning stability and

a high degree of resistance to bow

pressure) with those of very good gut

strings (low string tension and excellent

modulation capability) in DOMINANT.

In order to do justice to the tonal qua-

lities of gut strings, DOMINANT strings

have both an enhanced bow noise

and an increased metallic sound com-

ponent. The entire set offers a high

capacity for modulation – by applying

different bow positions between the

fingerboard and bridge as well as diffe-

ring amounts of pressure from the bow

and the left hand, it is possible to create

a multitude of tone colors. Musicians

quickly caught on to the fact that

DOMINANT made it possible to explore

entirely new spheres of sound and

interpret musical pieces in a comple-

tely new way. By changing the position

of the bow between the fingerboard

and bridge, every tone color desired

can be produced. DOMINANT strings

can be played expressively with both

varying bow pressure and a range of

bow speeds.

The string tensions of the DOMINANT set have been selected

so that no instrument is overworked but still allowing the

bow to exert pressure on the strings. Despite the low string

tensions, DOMINANT strings may still feel harder under the

left hand than products with a higher string tension. This is

a result of their general brilliance and metallic component.

Learn more on stringtelligence.com – type “hard“ into the

search box.

Today, as in the past, DOMINANT violin strings do not alter

the properties of the instrument but instead underscore their

character. They are honest, to the extent they are a kind of

truth serum for the nature of the instrument. Consequently,

DOMINANT strings are used by luthiers as a reference tool

for assessing the sound and playability of an instrument.

This is precisely why DOMINANT strings are the ideal way

to set up violins.

Thanks to their versatility, DOMINANT strings are optimally

suited for instruments new and old, as well as for the majority

of musical genres.

29

* also available in light and heavy

TECHNICAL DETAILS

129 e2 mi2 I Stainless steel

129SN e2 mi2 I Carbon steel Tin plated

130 e2 mi2 I Carbon steel Aluminum wound

130MS e2 mi2 I Carbon steel Aluminum wound

131 a1 la1 II Synthetic core Aluminum wound

132 d1 re1 III Synthetic core Aluminum wound

132A d1 re1 III Synthetic core Silver wound

133 g sol IV Synthetic core Silver wound


PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

17,2

18,3

15,9

15,9

12,1

9,0

9,9

9,7

7,8

8,3

7,2

7,2

5,5

4,1

4,5

4,4

PEG END

MEDIUM*

DOMINANT SETVIOLIN 4/4 vibrating string length 32,5cm | 12,8“

Meet DOMINANT, a string line that revolutionized the world of classical music in 1970 and is still the most played string out there.

DOMINANT – more than a legend.

Available Sizes | Available Gauges

4/4 | light, medium, heavy

3/4 | medium, heavy

1/2 | medium

1/4 | medium

1/8 | medium

1/16 | medium

E A D G

No130 No131 No132 No133

SET NO. 135 MEDIUM 21,2 46,7kg lb

includes E A D G

E A D G E A D G

No130 No131 No132A No133

No129 No131 No132A No133 No129 No131 No132 No133

SET NO. 135A MEDIUM

SET NO. 135BA MEDIUMSET NO. 135B MEDIUM

21,6 47,6kg lb

22,2 48,9kg lb21,8 48,0kg lb

includes

includes includes

MEET THE INDIVIDUAL STRINGS

31

NO.130/130MS ALUMINUM

In 1970, the DOMINANT E-string NO.130 [7.2 kg] was a

novelty; a non-whistling E-string with an excellent response

and a similar string diameter to that of a gut E-string.

Back then, musicians preferred soft, warm-sounding

E-strings. However, this also led to various disadvantages:

too little sound color and power for soloistic expression

or positions at the front of the orchestra. Nowadays,

the assertiveness of the DOMINANT E-string NO.130 in a hall

NO.129 PLAIN

The plain steel E-string NO.129 [0.260 mm, 7.8 kg, remov-

able ball end] produces an especially clear and direct

sound, and is also extremely resistant to corrosion. Due to

is often no longer sufficient. Which is why the DOMINANT

E-string NO.130 is currently a keen favorite for performances

in small halls or music making in the home, not least because

it does not strain the ears due to excessive volume or overly

brilliant overtones. It is also particularly well-suited for delicate

children’s ears, since they usually have a very sensitive re-

action to excessive ranges of brilliance. And: if players are ex-

periencing problems with the bow response, the DOMINANT

E-string NO.130 offers a potential solution.

its very low string tension, it is thoroughly well-suited to high

string positions – distance from string to fingerboard – and

offers dull-sounding instruments a compensatory brilliance.

E


130 Carbon steel Aluminum wound

130MS Carbon steel Aluminum wound


PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

15,9

15,9

7,2

7,2

PEG END

MEDIUM


Stainless steel


PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

17,27,8

PEG END

MEDIUM

DOMINANT

NO.129SN CARBON STEEL

The plain E-string NO.129SN [0.270 mm, 8.3 kg, removable

ball end] with a core of carbon steel is tin-plated. To increase

the corrosion resistance compared with conventional tin-

plated strings, a protective layer of nickel is placed between

the outer coating of tin and the steel core. Nonetheless, the

corrosion resistance is still lower than that of the plain stain-

less steel string NO.129 as well as the stainless steel strings

with gold and platinum plating – NO.DP01AU, NO.DP01PT. The

string sounds very warm, offers an exceptional projection ca-

pacity and is particularly well-suited to lower string positions.


Stainless steel Tin plated


PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

18,38,3

PEG END

MEDIUM

135 135A

135B 135BA

32




PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

12,15,5

PEG END

MEDIUM

NO.131 ALUMINUM

The DOMINANT A-string NO.131 [5.5 kg] is a highly resilient

string with a direct response. With its tonal richness and ba-

lanced brilliance, it provides optimum support for the rest

of the set. On some instruments it has a tendency to sound

slightly metallic and somewhat nasal to begin with, but this

subsides after a few hours.

In 1970, we wanted to replace the plain, unwound gut

A-string with a synthetic alternative. Plain gut A-strings sound

focused, somewhat nasal, have a characteristic metallic com-

ponent as well as a pronounced bow noise, and respond very

directly. For the DOMINANT A-string NO.131, we took these

properties and refined them a little.

ADOMINANT

135 135A 135B 135BA

33




PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

9,04,1

PEG END

MEDIUM

NO.132 ALUMINUM

The D-string is the leading string of a violin string set

and thus, influences the disposition of its neighbors.

The aluminum-wound DOMINANT D-string NO.132 [4.1 kg]

has a grainy bow noise and metallic sound components.

This has a very positive effect on its ability to sustain sound

in a hall, especially for too dark-sounding instruments.

In 1970, musicians preferred the aluminum-wound D-string

not only because it increased the instrument’s brilliance and

sound-sustaining capacity as well as improving the direct

bow response but also because, due to their many years of

experience playing on gut strings, they were familiar with the

larger string diameter and the stronger bow noise.




PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

9,94,5

PEG END

MEDIUM

NO.132A SILVER

The silver-wound DOMINANT D-string NO.132A [4.5 kg]

offers a significantly more refined bow noise and more

sound colors and has a darker tonal character than the alu-

minum alternative. As a leading string, it makes the entire

set warmer overall. The diameter, brilliance, metallic com-

ponent and thus the projection capacity are lower than the

aluminum-wound model.

Over the years, more and more options for instrument set-

tings – string action, bridge height, sound post height, and

position – as well as playing techniques – bow pressure and

bow speed ratio, type of vibrato, position of the bow bet-

ween fingerboard and bridge – were introduced, meaning

that every so often, the aluminum D-string NO.132 did not

offer enough sound colors for soloists, and in some cases,

the silver D-string NO.132A was unable to provide sufficient

projection capacity. To increase this capacity, musicians so-

metimes combined the DOMINANT NO.132A stark* with the

remaining medium set back then. However, this led to an

imbalance with A+G medium. As another result of the dif-

ferent string tensions of medium and stark, musicians were

playing soft and hard strings at the same time and had to

considerably adapt their bow technique for this imbalanced

string system.

As already mentioned above, many musicians prefer the thi-

cker DOMINANT aluminum D-string, as the preference is

often actually exclusively a matter of the different diameter

and thus the feeling when playing.

DDOMINANT

135 135B

135A 135BA

*heavy

34




PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

NR. TAILPIECEEND

PEGENDkg lb

MEDIUM

18,8

14,3

14,3

13,8

41,4

31,5

31,5

30,4

a

d

G

C

la

re

Sol

Do

I

II

III

IV

Carbon steel

Carbon steel

Spiral core

Spiral core

Multialloy wound

Multialloy wound



RO41

RO42

RO43

RO44

9,74,4

PEG END

MEDIUM

NO.133 SILVER

The DOMINANT G-string NO.133 [4.5 kg] is a great fit for a

lot of instruments and boasts an excellent balance between

warmth and brilliance. Also worth noting is its broad dyna-

mic range – NO.133 can be played both very quietly and very

loudly.

Depending on the bow pressure – either weak or strong –

the string promptly reacts with adequately weak or strong

projection in the hall. Even in pianopianissimo ppp, it has a

convincing sound density, but still, the sound rarely cracks

in fortissimo ff.*

However, depending on the string position and instrument

setting, the vibrating G-string can sometimes hit the finger-

board, causing a rattling noise, if the bow pressure is too

heavy. As soon as a string touches the fingerboard when it

is vibrating, the projection and modulation capability are res-

tricted.

Before the launch of synthetic strings in 1970, there was

no appropriate alternative to gut strings. Since gut strings

also had a tendency to rattle, this was in fact often perceived

as a charming feature of the DOMINANT G-string NO.133.

GDOMINANT

135 135A 135B 135BA

*The term “cracking” is used to describe additional background noises.

35

COMBINE DOMINANT PRO AND DOMINANT

Due to similar string tensions, DOMINANT PRO and DOMINANT strings can be ideally combined with one another.*

THE CHALLENGE THE SOLUTION

If the A-string sounds very warm or too broad

on the instrument, add DOMINANT NO.131

to the mix. If the A-string sounds too nasal,

too tight or too brilliant on the instrument, NO.DP02 is a good alternative.

If the outer layer of the A-string breaks open

too quickly due to aggressive sweating, the

string has a wavering tone (small wolf tone),

the resistance to bow pressure is too low, or the

response is too slow, then NO.DP02B is ideal.

If you are not satisfied with the lifespan

of the string setup, the D-string sounds too

dark, dull, or too broad on the instrument,

the response is not sufficient, or the metallic

component is too low, you can combine the

set with an aluminum model: NO.132, NO.DP03.

If the D-string sounds too brilliant on the

instrument for your taste, does not

generate enough sound colors, or has too

little capacity for modulation, you can

add a silver D-string to the E-, A- and G-strings

in the standard set: NO.132A, NO.DP03A.

If the G-string sounds very dull, muffled,

or trumpet-like on the instrument, you can

play the standard set with the DOMINANT

silver G-string NO.133. It sounds broader

and more brilliant than the DOMINANT PRO

silver G-string NO.DP04.

If the G-string sounds too nasal or broad on the

instrument, responds badly, has a strong wolf

tone, or too little projection capacity, then the

DOMINANT PRO NO.DP04 is the solution.

VERY WARM

TOO BROAD

TOO NASAL

TOO TIGHT

TOO BRILLIANT

BREAKS OPEN

HAS A WAVERING TONE

TOO LITTLE RTBP**

RESPONDING TOO SLOW

SHORT LIFE SPAN

TOO DARK

TOO DULL

TOO BROAD

RESPONDING TOO SLOW

TOO BRILLIANT

NOT ENOUGH SOUND COLORS

TOO LITTLE MODULATION

TOO DULL

MUFFLED

TRUMPET-LIKE

TOO NASAL + TOO BROAD

BAD RESPONSE

WOLF TONE

LITTLE PROJECTION

*All suggestions refer to the medium tension. **Resistance to bow pressure

TIRED OF READING? WATCH THISINSTEAD.

Find out everything there is to know about the brand new DOMINANT PRO strings, its specifics

and its development in this extensive video tutorial! Our specialist also explains each string’s

characteristics and of course the differences to Dominant!

youtu.be/I_NtMW377fw

dominantpro.com | thomastik-infeld.com

Documents

for Violin | by Thomastik-Infeld